What's New in Building articles from July 2003

What's New in Building archives from July 2003

`Major advance' in heat recovery.
July 22, 2003... Key professionals leading and informing national policies on energy conservation, the built environment and respiratory health, joined TV presenter Philippa Forrester and Vent-Axia at London's Building Centre for the launch of an advanced...

Welcome ideas on manual handling.
July 22, 2003... The construction division of the Health & Safety Executive has recently announced it is set to toughen its stance on government construction projects as part of its drive to cut fatalities and serious injuries by 2004. Anticipating the...

Awards continue to promote excellence.
July 22, 2003... Held annually by the Association of Interiors Specialists, the AIS contractors awards encourage craftsmanship and design in commercial interiors. This year's Gold Award winner in the Interior Fit-Out (over #250K) category was Wates...

Anglian pier greets its fans.
July 22, 2003... Housing a bar, restaurant, function room and amusements arcade, Southwold, East Anglia's pier is the first to be built in Britain for 45 years. One of the key requirements was for reliable air handling products. SK Sales of Norwich and...

External wall insulation.
July 22, 2003... Offering an example of how external wall insulation (EWI) can improve energy efficiency and transform the look of a high rise estate, the Lakeside scheme in Sunderland has been treated with Permarock EWI. At Lakeside, seven towers have...

Flooring for Scots store.
July 22, 2003... This large flooring refurbishment at Edinburgh's John Lewis department store has been completed by flooring contractor IFT of Paisley, using products from Ardex. Some 70 tonnes of Ardurapid 35 screed mix with sand already blended in was...

In-spa-rational!
July 22, 2003... The recently completed Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall Hotel in County Durham has made extensive use of Haddonstone cast stone. One of the most luxurious hotel and leisure facilities built in the UK in recent years, the design juxtaposes old...

Standing seam roofing.
July 22, 2003... Steeply curved standing seam roofing from Keybemo has been used on new buildings at the Dunstaffnage marine research laboratory on Scotland's west coast. Specified in stainless steel to cope with the harsh climate, over 2,000sq m has been used....

Timber frame is easy to install.
July 22, 2003... Based on an easy to install modular framing kit, Beamlock allows quick, cost effective erection of attractive single storey timber framed buildings. Available exclusively from Travis Perkins, the system can be used for annexes, lean-to's,...

Caulking ideas.
July 22, 2003... Five additions to the Laybond range include a decorators' caulk as well as four premium sealants. Universal sealant is for general purpose jobs including shopfitting and flooring, as well as pipework. Kitchen and bathrooms sealant is in white...

Pitched applications.
July 22, 2003... As well as waterproofing for flat roofs, Alwitra single ply roofing system is increasingly being specified for pitched applications. New student apartments at Nottingham University sport a parasol effect using the system. Copyright: CMP...

Extending its manufacturing capacity.
July 22, 2003... In a #20million expansion, Knauf has announced it is extending its manufacturing capacity to meet future market growth. With building practice favouring dry construction, plasterboard is the material of the moment. Copyright: CMP...

Partition walling.
July 22, 2003... Also investing for growth is Tarmac Precast Concrete. The company is putting #2.5million behind the launch of Speediwall partition walling, to be produced at a new site in Nottinghamshire. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Cross tee grid systems.
July 22, 2003... Armstrong Ceilings has changed the shape of both the main runners and XL cross tees on its Peakform and Peakform XL cross tee grid systems. This provides better handling during installation, while also improving the strength and stability...

It's a fair copper.
July 22, 2003... Entries are now being invited for the 11th annual Copper in Architecture awards,sponsored by the Copper in Architecture initiative. The design-led competition includes awards for use of copper in recently completed projects in the UK or...

Lavish literature.
July 22, 2003... Commercial flooring specialist Polyflor has just brought out a lavishly illustrated corporate brochure that showcases both the company and its products. The main 44 page section is seen as having a long shelf life, while a pocket at the...

Coltman chairman.
July 22, 2003... Coltman Precast Concrete co-founder Valerie Coltman has taken over as chairman of the Sutton Coldfield based business, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. The company supplies concrete components to the housing, commercial...

Brett materials featured.
July 22, 2003... Long suffering Dr Max Gallagher of TV's Casualty can at least relax in his new garden which features Brett materials. Having now hung up his stethoscope, actor Robert Gwilym still has green fingers - even without surgical gloves on. ...

The rail thing.
July 22, 2003... Thousands of metres of specially designed railings and fall protection barriers destined for use on the Channel Tunnel are being given long term protection against corrosion by Medway Galvanising. The company offers a reliable and...

Arch Coatings contract.
July 22, 2003... Arch Coatings has won the contract to supply exterior texture finishes for the rebuilding of 16 holiday units at Croyde Bay holiday village in north Devon. The buildings were originally used to house US troops training for the D Day...

Solar control solutions.
July 22, 2003... Newly formed Verosol UK offers a range of solar control solutions, among them 809 fabric. This reduces heat and light transmission and controls glare while still giving a view of the outside. The fabric is 220mm wide to suit the roller blind...

Porsche gets in a fix.
July 22, 2003... The Porsche showroom in Chiswick incorporates extensive areas of floor tiling, all fixed and grouted with weber sbd Howtex adhesive. This one part material only requires the addition of clean water on site and is formulated to cope with the...

Business park catches the eye.
July 22, 2003... The fifth phase of the 120 acre Danesbury Park development in Cheshire has just been completed. It features an eye catching entrance supplied by window and door control specialist Geze. The automatic TSA 325 revolving door welcomes...

Brochure from EDM Spanwall.
July 22, 2003... Facing the Future, the latest brochure from EDM Spanwall, covers the company's new generation of integrated facade engineering products. The 16 page document details a range of stacking and demountable cladding systems. Special...

Supporting brickwork.
July 22, 2003... The problem of supporting brickwork across a cavity varying from 50 to 125mm has been solved by using Halfen's HK4 support system at London's Paddington Basin development. The brackets were secured into 38/17 HTA channel cast into the face...

Firesafe yet cold.
July 22, 2003... An in depth, hardbound design and construction guide to the specification and installation of Firesafe KS1200 CS wall and ceiling panel system has been published by Kingspan Insulated Panels. The guide breaks down into key sections ranging...

Tradition that is up to date.
July 22, 2003... Wardour Court in the Nadder Valley in Tisbury, is a new development that combines traditional architecture with comtemporary technology to create quality homes. Products from the Akzo Nobel Joinery range were used for timber detailing on...

Wood veneer flooring.
July 22, 2003... Walnut Linnea wood veneer flooring by Kahrs has been chosen for Stepney City, a development of luxury apartments in a converted Victorian school. Featuring the glueless Woodloc joint, the 7mm two-stripfloor has an even grain and satin...

Prefab facade design.
July 22, 2003... External insulation and cladding specialist Dryvit has introduced a range of prefabricated features to help transform the facade of new build and renovation projects. Bespoke features can be made in any colour or texture and to the exact...

Brighter days for Airbus.
July 22, 2003... Hundreds of Pacemaker high bay luminaires from Cooper Lighting & Security have helped Airbus UK achieve an 80% increase in lighting levels in the main wing production area at its Broughton site in Wales. Existing SON luminaires in the...

Range of lamps.
July 22, 2003... Thanks to Philips Lighting's `bridge' technology, the Master PL-T lamp is now offered in amalgam or cold spot versions. This extends its range of applications and allows a smaller base to be used. The lamps retrofit with existing PLT units. ...

Franke goes to Belfast.
July 22, 2003... Giving a modern twist on traditional sink design, the stainless steel Belfast sink model BFX 710 joins Franke's Classic specialist collection. The single bowl model offers all the design benefits and bowl capacity associated with the...

Report backs durability claims.
July 22, 2003... Just published by Corus is a report that confirms Kalzip's resistance to corrosion, following laboratory tests in 2002. These showed that Kalzip clad alloy out-performs other materials under corrosive conditions. Copies of the report are...

Hot news for larger homes.
July 22, 2003... With its 12kW power unit, the Gledhill ElectraMate 2000 meets the needs of larger properties. It automatically adjusts the store charge temperature to meet the load and has three heating elements. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Sealant checks in to the Priory.
July 22, 2003... Specialist foam tapes from Compribrand have been used to seal movement joints in the timber frame construction of a new chapel at St Dominic's Priory in Hampshire. Illmod 600 tapes seal joints between the oak timber frame and neighbouring...

Tension is mounting.
July 22, 2003... Comprising a series of bars, fork connectors and anchor discs, the stylish Ancon Tension system comes in stainless or carbon steel in a variety of sizes and finishes. As well as providing a high load capacity the system has been designed...

Grealy goes Tek.
July 22, 2003... Grealy Construction has adopted the Kingspan Tek Haus building system structural insulated panels for a multi unit development in St Albans, County Longford. The system was used for the mews development of energy efficient homes. The...

Adshead Ratcliffe contract.
July 22, 2003... Four of Adshead Ratcliffe's sealant products have been used in the construction of the National Swimming Pool development in Swansea, south Wales. One of the main criteria that helped secure the contract was the Arbomaster scheme, which...

Blocks take the heat.
July 22, 2003... As well as saving time and money, aircrete blocks have a human benefit in terms of saving lives and protecting valuables. Aircrete blocks provide good resistance to fire, helping maintain the stability of a building in the event of a blaze,...

Lucky Xscape for Hadley.
July 22, 2003... Midlands based Structural Sections, part of the Hadley Group, has supplied steel section for the Xscape sports and retail complex in Leeds. When complete, the structure will house an indoor ski slope and 14- screen multiplex cinema. ...

Fire and acoustic sealant on offer.
July 22, 2003... Designed to form a flexible service penetration seal that will stop spread of fire and smoke, Idenden's Evo-Stik fire and acoustic sealant cures to a tough, tack-free seal. In the event of fire it swells to form an insulating char. ...

DPC gel takes pressure off.
July 22, 2003... Rising damp can be treated cost effectively using Tri-Gel from Triton. It eliminates the need for electric pumps on site and speeds up what can be a slow and awkward job. Tri-Gel is injected using either a cartridge gun or hand...

Sensual bathing.
July 22, 2003... Teaming up with hydrotherapy specialist Domino, Twyford Bathrooms has introduced its Revita Hydromassage range to the UK. Comprising two baths, two shower cabins and a combination unit, the range offers and easy to install home spa facility...

Natural stone sealant receives a makeover.
July 22, 2003... Improved application and tooling properties are two key features of Dow Corning's updated 991 natural stone and facade silicone sealant. The 991 version supersedes 897 weathersealing sealant for new build and refurbishment projects. ...

Affordable automation.
July 22, 2003... Swiss built Smart Drive 1101 Swingdoor operator promises affordable door automation with features normally found only on more costly units. Available from Tormax, the system is quick and easy to install and will open doors up to a metre...

Argos saves on heat costs.
July 22, 2003... The latest Argos distribution centre in Bedford uses insurer approved Firesafe roof and wall systems from Kingspan Insulated Panels. Thanks to the high performance nature of the panels, the building is already achieving significant savings...

Warrior cuts both ways.
July 22, 2003... Capable of cutting in both directions with a sawing, push-pull action, the Rock Warrior utility saw has been introduced to the UK by Rollins. The tool has a tempered, high carbon steel blade and bevelled point allowing easy penetration...

Product range is growing.
July 22, 2003... There is more to the Tower Manufacturing range of tools than just their well established plastic cable clips and fixings. Other offerings include earthing products, specialist cable fixings, heavy duty fixing pins, plus a comprehensive...

Safety for hot air.
July 22, 2003... Flooring contractors faced with high insurance premiums associated with use of naked flame will welcome the Leister Electron hot air blower as a safe and energy efficient alternative when bending and forming materials. This light, robust...

Reliable for repairs.
July 22, 2003... Powergen contacted MitsuiBabcock to provide a repair and maintenance service at Killingholme power station in Lincolnshire. Part of the contract involved installation of walkways on a large scale. The problem was addressed using Hilti...

Flush system is a hot runner.
July 22, 2003... Unlike conventional systems, the Powerflow flushing system from Fernox runs at a maximum 85 degrees C and is fully acid resistant. It features a reversible flow action including a direct discharge from return in both directions of flow....

Fast, safe connection for chemical drains.
July 22, 2003... Two further additions have been made to the Durapipe Vulcathene chemical drainage range, offering more options for quick and safe connection of pipes and fittings. The Vulcathene clamp saddle allows rapid connection of new branch pipes to...

The answer's so simple.
July 22, 2003... For an uncomplicated drainage solution that complements a range of modern architectural styles, Alumasc offers GX Contemporary. This aluminium pressed box gutter system is designed for traditional wet jointing on site. Lightweight yet...

Tea time on the Thames.
July 22, 2003... For Tea Trade Wharf, a desirable modern development on the Thames riverside, all specifications have been of a high standard. Modern, clean line bathrooms are a central feature, complete with wall mounted bathroom ware. To hang the ceramic...

Cast iron drainage range.
July 22, 2003... Extending the Ensign cast iron drainage range, Saint-Gobain Pipelines has introduced a 400-600mm diameter option. The larger specification will meet the needs of major commercial projects in London. Now a cast iron system can be...

Baghdad job bagged.
July 22, 2003... Mike Aitken, branch manager of Rexel Senate in Kendal, Cumbria, has recently shipped out an order of Marshall-Tufflex Sterling Profile 4 to be used in the refurbishment of the British Embassy in Baghdad. Sterling trunking is a...

Lower profile for more options.
July 22, 2003... Increased cabling options and a lower profile design have made the TK enclosure range from Spelsberg even more flexible, claims the company. The latest 2518 enclosures seal to IP66 for use in control and instrumentation applications, as...

Connection unit.
July 22, 2003... Latest offering from Contactum is an RCD metal fused connection unit, part of the metalclad range. It is suitable for tough surface installations in heavy duty sites like factories and workshops. Designed to protect against electrocution...

Lamp offers savings and benefits.
July 22, 2003... Said to outlast any other triphosphor fluorescent lamp, the Aura Luminette-LL from Greenstock offers both cost savings and environmental benefits. With a service life of 36,000 hours (45,000 with electronic control gear) it needs replacing less...

Emergency needs addressed.
July 22, 2003... The AutoTest emergency module is designed for use with selected compact fluorescent downlighters from JCC Lighting Products. The uncomplicated stand-alone module has audible alarm and fault reporting capability. Copyright: CMP...

Help with fire liability.
July 22, 2003... In a newly published Q&A booklet, Aico addresses the issue of fire liability, helping installers ensure their work meets regulations. Problems arise when cut-outs are made in a fire-rated ceiling to install downlights or fluorescents. ...

Special steps created for Norfolk shrine.
July 22, 2003... Specified as a soft visual contrast to the red brick of the buildings, natural creamy-buff setts from Blanc de Bierges have been specified for the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. The setts were used to form the gentle curve of...

Aircrete blocks for housing development.
July 22, 2003... Aircrete blocks from Thermalite have been specified for the construction of a six house and eight flat development in Glastonbury for the Roglan Housing Association. Specified for their excellent thermal values, 630 sq m of 4N Shield and...

Blocks are at the heart of striking development.
July 22, 2003... Boasting views across the city to York Minster, the Bryant Homes' high profile Westgate development of 114 luxury apartments has used Topcrete Midi blocks from Tarmac Topblock for all the internal walls. Some 8000 sq m of the dense...

Cracking an unsightly problem.
July 22, 2003... Launched by Simpson Strong-Tie, the new Crack Control Wall Starter has been developed to help control cracking which can appear in the walls of new building extensions as they dry out. Fixed in a similar way to existing wall starters, the...

Bricks in keeping with canalside location.
July 22, 2003... Bricks from Baggeridge have been specified for a new canalside housing development in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. The Baggeridge Oast Russet Sovereign Stock and Reclaimed Shire Sovereign Stock bricks were chosen to provide a traditional...

European feel for roof tiles.
July 22, 2003... Aiming for a European feel, Russell Roof Tiles has unveiled its Lothian concrete roofing tile, described as `a thin leading edge tile with distinctive rounded edge to rival that of our European neighbour'. Offering the appearance of the...

Rescue mission at satellite earth station.
July 22, 2003... A waterproofing system from Laybond has been used to waterproof the leaking roof of the visitor centre of the largest satellite earth station in the world. The Diamond Colorthane System, based on a single pack polyurethane moisture curing...

Helping bungalow go up in the world.
July 22, 2003... Some 60 roof trusses in around 20 different profiles have been specified from TRA (Trussed Rafter Association) for the conversion of a bungalow to two-storey accommodation in Gaddesby, Leicestershire. A whole new roof was required, as the...

Uni slated.
July 22, 2003... The striking roof on the new ultra modern Library & Learning Centre at Bournemouth University features Cambrian Slates from Lafarge Roofing's Redland Range. The Cambrian Slate was selected for the 700 sq m roof as it is said to have the...

Fall arrest system for three buildings.
July 22, 2003... A permanent fall arrest system from Safesite has been installed on the three buildings at GlaxoSmithKline's offices in Middlesex to enable external maintenance works to be carried out safely. Taking into account the building's glass facade,...

Distinctive copper roofs.
July 22, 2003... Distinctive copper roofs crown the central pavilion which forms a central part of the major redevelopment of the former Duke of York Barracks in Chelsea. The central retail building is defined by continuous clear glazing to all sides,...

Cost-effective yet highly aesthetic rainscreen.
July 22, 2003... Said to be ideal for external cladding applications where a cost- effective yet highly aesthetic rainscreen is required, Thermowood from Finnforest is produced by treating timber at high temperatures in special kilns. This treatment alters...

Benefits of a brise-soleil.
July 22, 2003... Aerofoil fins from Levolux can be installed vertically, horizontally or at an angle to give all the benefits of a conventional brise-soleil. The non-retractable fins are formed of extruded aluminium sections in widths of 100 to 500mm, and...

Simply red for new nursery school.
July 22, 2003... Some 500 Steni Colour cladding panels in Poppy Red, covering a surface area of 350 sq m, have been fabricated by CEP Claddings for a new nursery school at Birchwood Park, Warrington, helping to provide a bright primary colour scheme. In...

Roof keeps a low profile up on the moors.
July 22, 2003... Specified to insulate a Ministry of Defence building on the North Yorkshire moors against the worst effects of the weather, Eternit's Profile 63 system incorporates a weathering skin of Profile 6R reinforced sheeting, a blanket of mineral wool...

External cladding system.
July 22, 2003... Described as a product with good environmental credentials, the Keralit external cladding system from Swish Building Products is manufactured mainly from reprocessed plastic materials. The system consists of durable tongue and groove panels...

Balcony screening.
July 22, 2003... Decorative perforated squeeze frame panels from Gooding Aluminium have been used for balcony screening and dividing throughout a new build development at Margery Street in central London. The low maintenance panels help to provide a light...

Solution to the vandals.
July 22, 2003... Wolverhampton Council has enlisted an ally in the fight against anti- social behaviour on its estates - Manse Masterdor has supplied fire doors to 550 properties. `We've been specifying these products for three years and have never had one...

Tough talk on fire doors.
July 22, 2003... As part of its fire door and doorset testing regime, the British Woodworking Federation has announced the implementation of a more rigorous audit procedure. Underlying the new procedures are three main principles; greater independence from...

Keep overheads down.
July 22, 2003... To upgrade manual overhead sectional doors at little expense, try Crawford-Amber's compact CDM20 motor unit. The 230v, single phase CDM20 combines durable engineering with electronic control. During closing it stops and reverses instantly...

Fresh look marks a revolution.
July 22, 2003... Central to the design of GUTechnologies' Vista-Style and Vista-Lite revolving doors, is a range of interchangeable aluminium profiles that can be combined with a solid or glazed drumwall to give up to seven door configurations. Vista-Style...

Individual touch offers elegance and protection.
July 22, 2003... Refurbishment works at Waverley House in London have involved installation of individually designed fire doors produced by Scotts of Thrapston. Using specially commissioned etched Pyrostop laminated glazing, each door shows the relevant...

Vertical sliders used for high profile conversion.
July 22, 2003... Energy efficient, low maintenance pvc-u vertical sliding and tilt and turn windows have been supplied by REHAU fabricator Roseview Windows for Metro House, a four-storey ex-police training centre which has been converted into accommodation. ...